Supporting Children and Young People with Atopic Eczema

Abstract

Atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis affects 15–20% of children in the UK and these figures appear to be rising ( Hoare et al, 2000 ; Fennessy et al, 2000 ; Ruzicka et al, 2013 ; Williams et al, 1994 ). This condition affects so many school-aged children, negatively impacting the quality of life for both the children and their families ( Hoare et al, 2000 ). Not only is it a disease causing dry skin but it can also lead to skin damage and infection, pain, insomnia and the social stigma of a skin disease ( Hoare et al, 2000 ). Although treatment and guidelines seem to have remained unchanged since the NICE 2017 guidelines, there is a real emphasis on accurate physical and mental assessment of the child with atopic eczema ( NICE, 2018 ). The role of school nurses is important as they can empower children to take control of their condition, reduce flare-ups and cope with the physical and psychological impacts of the disease.